Former Rams TE Philip Lutzenkirchen Dead at Age 23

Former St. Louis Rams tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen tragically died on Sunday following a one-car accident in Georgia. Lutzenkirchen, 23, who was in the passenger seat, and the driver were also killed. Two rear passengers were injured in the accident. It has yet to be determined if the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Following a successful four-year career at Auburn, Lutzenkirchen signed with the Rams last offseason. He was with the team during the preseason and was considered a fringe candidate to make the 53-man roster before ultimately being released at the end of the preseason. The highlight of his brief Rams career was this clutch 13-yard catch near the sidelines in the Rams’ preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns last August:

Lutzenkirchen still had strong ties to the Rams’ organization, he played with coach Jeff Fisher’s son Trent at Auburn, and also was college teammates with current Rams Emory Blake, Greg Robinson, Tre Mason, and Daren Bates. Lutzenkirchen also shared the common bond with general manager Les Snead of having been a former Auburn tight end. Snead issued a statement Sunday afternoon, saying:

"“I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Philip Lutzenkirchen. During his brief time with the Rams, Philip was a consummate pro. On behalf of the St. Louis Rams organization, we would like to send our condolences to his family. As an Auburn alum myself and with Coach Fisher’s ties to the university through his son Trent and daughter Tara, we join the Tigers in grieving this tragic loss.”"

Numerous Rams players also spoke on Lutzenkirchen’s loss via Twitter on Sunday: